Looking for some polish

A little bit of New York City styling is coming to the Triangle this week.

Vermillion at North Hills is having a trunk show Wednesday and Thursday pairing "demi-couture" fashion designer Peter Soronen and celebrity stylist and vintage jewelry connoisseur Ellen Carey.

The show is timed to help women start planning for a number of upcoming social events and balls, including the Mannequin Ball in November and the inaugural ball in January.

But even if you have no plans to attend a fancy ball this year, go to see the Carole Tanenbaum collection of vintage jewelry, which includes some Bakelite, larger statement pieces, brooches, cocktail rings and bridal pieces.

Carey will be bringing the jewelry, but she also is bringing her eye for style. She and Soronen have worked together for years dressing women in New York for social events. They've also worked with celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Reese Witherspoon and Jessica Seinfeld, and Carey has helped style stars for movies such as "The Devil Wears Prada."

In Raleigh, she and Soronen, who is known as a corsetiere as well as a dressmaker, will work to create signature looks for Vermillion customers. Soronen is bringing his collection of spring and fall cocktail dresses and evening gowns, dresses he says are made with all age groups in mind.

His typical customer, however, tends to go for a look that's sexy but not overdone with a few flirty embellishments to take the dresses beyond just a classic silhouette. He calls his dress look "polished."

Soronen said he's open to creating new looks by mixing and matching elements of his dress designs for customers who come to the trunk show.

Check out his spring and fall looks at www.petersoronen.com. You can also see some of the jewelry at www.caroletanenbaum.com. Make an appointment for the show at (919) 787-9780.

Around town

A sampling of what else is new and happening in fashion around the Triangle this week.

Men's fashion just got a little better in the Triangle. Saks Fifth Avenue recently launched a new men's contemporary department, adding 3,000 square feet of space in the men's department. Among the newcomers: Michael Kors and Theory. The store has also bulked up its selection of denim and sunglasses for men.

If you want a little more of Art to Wear, the fashion show put on annually by N.C. State design and textiles students, check out the storefront in the coming weeks at SoHo Clothing in Cameron Village. Each week, the store will have another installment of some of the show's designers and their work.

Charlotte's in Cameron Village will have a trunk show Wednesday through Friday of the latest jewelry from Helga Wagner of Palm Beach, Fla. Among the pieces in the show: the classic pearl nugget necklace Wagner is known for, the one worn by Laura Bush, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Jackie Kennedy.

Ciao Bella Boutique at The Arboretum in Cary is having a trunk show Thursday of La Bijou Jewelry by Christine Jones.

While you're at The Arboretum, head over to Joint Venture Jewelry, which will have a show of estate jewelry from around the world Wednesday through May 17.